Earlier this year,Tracey Steinbach,Black Hills State University senior computer support specialist, asked her four daughters if they would run the all-women Leading Ladies Half-Marathon with her – something she had on her bucket list.

Once they said yes, Steinbach needed motivation to get her in marathon-finishing shape. She found that incentive from her husband, a friend and the possibility of winning $50,000.

Steinbach not only crossed the finish line with all four daughters, she also recently learned that she, her husband, Brent, and Spearfish resident Kyle Huffman were named the TLS Find Your Fit 2013 Spring Challenge team champions winning $50,000. Each received a check for $16,666.67.

“I don’t think any of us thought we would really win an international challenge,“ said Steinbach, who lost 16 lbs., 13 inches and 10 percent body fat during the 12-week challenge.

The team was judged on their before and after photographs, joint weight loss, decreased body measurements and body fat reduction as well as on their personal essay on how the challenge transformed their lives.

The trio started in March after Huffman, a distributor for Market America – the parent company for TLS Weight Loss Solution, asked the Steinbachs if they would be interested in doing the weight loss challenge as a group.

All had a desire to slim down and live a healthier lifestyle.

“Once we started, we felt so much better. We were eating so much better. We had energy. We were losing fat not muscle,” Steinbach said.

TLS emphasizes a low-glycemic approach to eating, Steinbach said. When blood sugar is high, it is difficult for the body to burn fat. Even though the challenge ended in May, the team has continued the low-glycemic diet eating mostly fruits, vegetables, beans, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

“It is a change in lifestyle. We don’t even think about it anymore,” she said.

The Steinbachs and Huffman are now spokespeople for the TLS way of life appearing in magazines, posters, videos, and other promotional materials.

“They flew us out to North Carolina (the headquarters for Market America) and did videotaping, interviews, still photos – all for the marketing. It has been weird seeing ourselves on posters and videos.”

The couple is also helping others achieve that same lifestyle. They have a group of more than 20 local men and women they are mentoring for the next fitness challenge which began in September.

“Hopefully we can help people do the same thing. Even if they don’t win the money, they can feel better and be healthier,” Steinbach said.

Anyone interested in the program can email Tracey at traceylsteinbach@gmail.com

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